Regarding “Effectiveness of Intensive Primary Care Interventions: A Systematic Review”

Abstract

hospitalizations (mean of 2.1 vs. 2.4 over 24 months, p = 0.212) and a reduction in average length of stay (mean of 11.1 days vs. 15.2 days over 24 months, p = 0.035).2 Of note, in the results section of our review, we described the reduction in length of stay correctly. We have corrected Table 4 for inclusion as an erratum and include several edits for improved clarity. We apologize for the error. Overall, this error does not affect the conclusions of our systematic review.In Table 2 of our review, we reported the sample size for each included study. For randomized controlled trials, we typically reported the number of patients originally randomized, after exclusion criteria were applied. In the case of Dr. Ekdahl's 2015 study, the number of patients reported as originally randomized was 844, but exclusion criteria were applied after randomization. Of these 844 patients, 55% were excluded, with more patients excluded from the treatment group than the control group. Given the high level of post-randomization exclusion and our lack of clarity about the enrollment process, we were not certain that the 382 patients reported as enrolled in the abstract represented a number comparable to other randomized controlled trials in our review.

Effect of an Intensive Outpatient Program to Augment Primary Care for High-Need Veterans Affairs Patients

“…Intensive outpatient care programs have gained traction in recent years as a model for delivering comprehensive, individualized medical, mental health, and social services to high-need patients . Despite enthusiasm for these programs, evidence regarding their effects on hospitalization and costs is mixed .…”